More than 50 people joined together in parts of Willenhall last Friday to carry out a clean-up and litter pick.
Staff from Citizen Housing the Council and councillors joined residents and citywide volunteers to spend a day litter picking and doing a clear up in Tintagle Close, Weymouth Close, Cardiff Close and Little Farm.
Fly-tipping was also removed in Yarnigale and Middleride.
The clean-up forms part of a year-long project focused on making Willenhall more welcoming and improving the environment for those who live there. Tidy Fridays are led by Citizen and held each month in different neighbourhoods in the city. The next one is planned for 20 March in Tile Hill.
The team litter picked and collected more than 80 black bags of rubbish, which filled three skips. We also filled two vans with bulky waste and planted new shrubs and turf to brighten shared spaces. A communal square garden was also cleaned and had a revamp.
Lots of residents got involved and shared their hopes that the clean-up would encourage residents to think carefully about how and where they dispose of waste.
Cllr Patricia Hetherton, Cabinet Member for City Services, said: “Our Street Pride Teams work hard to keep the city clean and looking good. And they are fantastically supported by dedicated local people, many of whom collect litter and keep their communities clean all year.
“Tidy Fridays are a great initiative and by working with Citizen, our own team, local councillors, and residents we can make a huge difference together. Many hands make light work was certainly true when so many people got together to make a difference in Willenhall.”
Elly Dix, Head of Estates and Services at Citizen, said: “I’m absolutely amazed at the number of people who’ve turned up, it’s just fantastic. Thank you to everyone who came out in the rain!”
Councillor Naeem Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities at the Council, said: “It’s always good to be part of the tidy-ups and show people how Citizen and Coventry City Council care about the area and the people living here. It’s fantastic to see so many people turn out for it. I hope it helps to keep the area clean.”
Kim, who is also a social housing tenant with Citizen, said: “I’m so happy about this because it’s nice to see it all tidy.